11 Ups & 4 Downs From Last Night's WWE SmackDown (Nov 13)

Downs...

4. Nakamura Vs. Rollins: Where's The Build?

Lost in blissful ignorance, Shinsuke Nakamura began last night's interview with Dasha Fuentes wearing a pair of earbuds. His indifference towards the SmackDown broadcaster, as well as Seth Rollins' own towards the match itself, sums the build for this bout nicely.

WWE have put nothing into it. Granted, the Dean Ambrose situation carries greater long-term significance, but we're talking about two of the most popular wrestlers in the company here. Nakamura vs. Rollins is a first-timer, one of the best pure wrestling clashes on the Survivor Series card, and in for many fans, a 'dream match,' yet WWE have invested next to no time into making it feel important.

Seeing Nakamura and Rollins in the ring together is a pretty strong draw in itself, but surely the company could've done more than this? It speaks volumes to WWE's recent handling of 'The King Of Strong Style' (often an absentee United States Champion) in general.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.